Author's Note: Hello, readers! Guess what? I saw the trailer of 'Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld' and it's awesome! The series is coming on May 4! Hopefully, it will be better than Tales of the Empire.
I don't own Star Wars or its characters, but Nadia Aomori and my OCs I own only.
Enjoy!
Fire of the Rebellion
Chapter 45: Queen's Shadow Part 1
Lisa slowly explored around the apartment bedroom that she was staying in, her deep brown eyes slowly taking in her surroundings.
Built up in Coruscant's massive Galactic City, the penthouse suite of the Senate Apartment Complex was purchased by the Embassy of Naboo during the Separatist Crisis for the use of Senator and former Queen and Senator of Naboo, Padmé Amidala.
The eighteen year old girl made her way over to the large wardrobe in the bedroom that contained extravagant, ornate and very elaborate disguises, dresses and robes of office throughout her late mother's life.
Out of curiosity, Lisa slowly opened the doors of the wardrobe to check the clothes in it to touch their fabric.
The Queen of Naboo picked up one of the dresses, recognising them to be one of the dresses that her mother wore when she was the Senator of Naboo.
The dress was a dark indigo bodice and skirt under a dark purple overcoat. The bodice was studded with beads and pearls along the low-cut neckline and the front panel of the skirt was decorated with dark beaded scrollwork as were the sleeves. The overcoat was decorated with intricate swirls and flowed down to touch the floor. The shoulders of the overcoat were flared and decorated with beads. The long sleeves were done in the same fabric as the overcoat with a slit to show the sleeves of the bodice and those full sleeves showing the smaller sleeves within them.
Lisa silently went over to her dressing mirror while holding her mother's dress.
A small smile appeared on Lisa's face as she imagined herself wearing since she was not the right height to wear it.
After putting the dress back in the large wardrobe, she made her way over to her bed and glanced at her closed window that showed the night view of the Galactic City.
Two Naboo Royal Guards were outside guarding the door of her bedroom.
Though she secretly opposed the Empire, Lisa continued her role as Queen of Naboo and taking care of her people.
She had heard that Bail Organa, Senator of Alderaan, retired from the Imperial Senate after 31 years of service in both the Galactic and Imperial Senates and was replaced by his daughter, Princess Leia Organa.
Also that a group of conspirators led by Grand Moff Trachta attempted a coup on Emperor Palpatine and Darth Vader before they were eliminated.
Even if the Alliance to restore the Republic was growing, the Galactic Empire was at its territorial and military height.
Lisa rested on her bed as she looked up at the ceiling.
"I should get some sleep."Lisa thought with a firm tone."Tomorrow, me, Naboo's Queen, will be attending the Senate Building."
The following morning, Queen Costil walked into the Senate Chamber accompanied by Dalné and her two royal guards.
The group went to sit next to Senator Pooja in the Naboo pod.
The Queen of Naboo was clad in purple.
Her underdress was completely covered by the stiff velvet of her outermost layer, except at her collar, where soft lavender curled around her neck. For the rest, she might have been a statue. The dress was embroidered so heavily that it weighed itself down, instead of using tricks around the hem to make sure everything stayed in place. A deep green sash completed the look. The style was a little severe which was reflected in her stoic expression and she was covered from wrists to ankles. Her headpiece was unusually simple with a dark blonde hair wig that had been styled with coiled braids in a crown. Each highlighted by purple and green gems. A silver comb had been tucked into the back of the braid crown and a purple veil hung down behind her head.
It had taken her handmaidens nearly an hour to secure the elected Monarch of their home planet was in the right formal dress.
Queen Costil glanced at Pooja.
"What's going on?"Queen Costil asked.
"Many Senators have been arguing over the rise of the Rebellion against the Empire."Senator Pooja declared.
Queen Costil brought her attention on the pods that showed the arguing Senators.
Whereas the Galactic Senate had held both legislative and executive power, the Imperial Senate held only legislative power and most of this power was in the hands of the Emperor as he was the overall ultimate authority.
Despite this, the Imperial Senate still held limited judicial authority, enough to try high ranking officials in the Empire and, possibly, handle cases tied into the Supreme Court.
The Emperor allowed the Senate to provide him counsel in enacting new laws.
It also had nominal oversight of the Imperial bureaucracy and worked on the Imperial budget.
However, the Emperor made it clear that his judgments would be final: his decrees would be issued without debates, court proceedings or Senatorial overrides.
The Emperor could also call and dismiss the Senate at will.
The Senate could also pass amendments to the Imperial Charter and apparently had at least nominal oversight of the Imperial Military.
The day-to-day head of the Senate was no longer the Vice Chair, but the Grand Vizier as President of the Senate.
"The number of insurgents are growing everyday!"Senator Donovan protested."We must be protected!"
"The Empire grows bolder in its liberties with the Senate each day."Senator Thorm from Fedalle declared."There is still-"
"Hope, Senator Thorn?"Senator Vibrion finished."The Emperor plans to disband the Senate."
"We don't have proof of that, Senator Vibrion."Princess Leia reminded, secretly knowing the Senator that represented the Ghorman and Sern sector was telling the truth."The Senate have been in service for the Emperor since the beginning. We are the ones that ensure laws for the entire cosmos of the Empire are debated."
"But the rising rebellion is a threat, Princess Leia!"Gani Riduli retorted."It must be stopped!"
This caused Queen Costil to stand up from where she sat to speak up causing Senator Pooja to become surprised.
"Then how come none of you are asking why is there a growing rebellion?"Queen Costil questioned.
Everyone in the Senate Building brought their attention on the Queen of Naboo.
"Go about your lives. Ignore the signs all around you."Queen Costil complemented."But if we look back-"
"Queen Costil, this meeting is between Senators and Senators only-"Gani Riduli snarled.
The Queen of Naboo gave a stern glare at the Ishi Tib politician who represented the InterGalactic Banking Clan in the Senate of the Galactic Empire.
"I am clearly addressing what needs to be heard, Gani Riduli."Queen Costil replied with a stern look before glancing back at the Senators in the Senate Building."The growing corruption within the Galactic Senate of the Republic eventually led to the outbreak of the Clone Wars, which caused devastation across the galaxy. But even if the Empire is supposed to offer a safe and secure society, I've heard there are planets in the galaxy whose people had been hit by violence and discrimination either because those with power can't defend them or don't even care if they're treated as dirt."
This caused some of the Senators to murmur at each other.
"Freedom, independence and justice is what every planet in the galaxy deserves to have."Queen Costil exclaimed."But we have to learn to care those around us and can't allow the mistakes from the past to be repeated beside caring them. Surveillance and persecution without limit isn't right. The Empire should improve every system it touches."
A holocam floated toward Queen Costil as she gave her speech that gets heard outside the Senate Building and throughout Coruscant.
"Wake up, Senators! You must wake up!"Queen Costil demanded."If you offer violence to those who can't even defend themselves, they can only show us violence in return and the idea to rebel! Many will lose their lives. All will lose their freedom. This decision could very well destroy the very foundation of our great Empire. I pray you do not let greed push you into a disastrous decision which is nothing less than a declaration of war! Does anyone here want that? I cannot believe they do."
After the meeting in the Senate Building ended, Queen Costil met up with Moff Panaka in the hallway.
"I will admit, I did not think that Governor Ferrox would go against your idea to bring supplies for Restuss and it's people."Moff Panaka declared."But he has reported to me that the people of Narmle and Restuss have set their aside their long time rivalry and agreed to your peace treaty as well as recognising you as the current Monarch of Naboo."
Queen Costil was utterly stunned, not expecting to hear that.
"So you're saying Rori has come out of its shadow, Moff Panaka?"Queen Costil assumed with a small smile."I have earned their loyalty and trust."
"You can say that."Moff Panaka admitted."Under your command, the miners performed admirably. You are becoming every bit the ruler our people always hoped you be."
Despite her growing excitement, Queen Costil kept a firm look on her face.
"We can all pray all the people of Rori can now move forward from the scars of their past."Queen Costil commented."They live on a moon. But the moon is linked to Naboo and so that makes them my people too."
Moff Panaka gave a casual smile.
"Well said, your highness."Moff Panaka answered.
A beep caught Moff Panaka and Queen Costil's attention, making the two of them turn around to see R4-K5 behind them.
R4-K5 featured a round silver dome with tool panels and a sensor, both of which were black and the dome also possessed a red status indicator. The droid's plating was dark grey with black tool coverings.
Queen Costil smiled lightly as she bent down on one knee to greet the astromech droid.
"Hello, there."Queen Costil greeted."Where did you come from?"
R4-K5 let out a small beep.
Suddenly, a dark figure came and loomed over the Queen of Naboo as he let out a mechanical breathing.
Queen Costil, however, didn't drop her smile when her face looked up to see who was in front of her.
"Hello, Lord Vader."Queen Costil responded and slowly went back on her feet."I assume this astromech droid is yours?"
"His just another piece of machinery that I use, your highness."Darth Vader complemented.
Despite feeling a little nervous at seeing the Emperor's second-in-command, Moff Panaka went straight to business.
"What brings you to the Senate, Lord Vader?"Moff Panaka questioned.
Darth Vader's attention went on Queen Costil.
"I've heard the speech that you gave out to the Senate, Queen Costil."Darth Vader stated."You've caused quite a stir."
Queen Costil frowned a bit.
"Curious how speaking up for what's right has become an act that causes a stir unlike inaction, apathy or ignorance."Queen Costil responded.
"It is not your role to be in an area that you shouldn't be in."Darth Vader commented in a strict tone."Just because your Naboo's elected monarch, it doesn't mean it gives you the idea to illusion the Senate with your pacifist ideals."
"But the Force-"Queen Costil started.
"The Force does not favour the righteous, your highness."Darth Vader retorted sternly."It answers to power and I'm its master."
The Queen of Naboo glared at Darth Vader and felt her anger boil inside, but kept it sealed deep inside her.
She felt the worried gazes of the Senators that were watching her conversation with the Sith Lord.
Eyes and ears were everywhere.
She had to think carefully of what she was going to say before speaking immediately.
"I apologise if my speech have caused offence to those with real power."Queen Costil admitted simply."Especially to the Emperor, Lord Vader. It won't happen again."
"It better not."Darth Vader scolded.
Darth Vader then walked away from Queen Costil with R4-K5 following him from behind.
In the office located in the Senate Office Building on Coruscant and belonged to her late aunt, Senator Pooja was in the middle of gathering important paperwork.
Then the door to her office opened, Queen Costil stepped inside while her royal guards remained outside the room.
"Pooja-"Queen Costil started.
The Senator of Naboo frowned at her younger cousin.
"Lisa, you have to really be careful what you say."Pooja scolded."There's a new spy every day at the Senate. One wrong move and you'll be eliminated."
"I know and I apologise in advance."Queen Costil declared, keeping her cool."The more I get weary of the Empire, the more I feel under siege."
"We all do since the Senators; Bail Organa, Mon Mothma and Garm Bel Iblis have been labelled as traitors to the Empire."Senator Pooja admitted."That is why we have to be careful on whatever do from now on, Lisa."
Queen Costil gave Pooja a nod.
"I promise."Queen Costil replied.
Since becoming the Senator of Naboo, Pooja always made sure to keep an eye on Lisa like an older sister would.
Whether they were in front of enemies, the smiles on their faces have been practiced a hundred times over in the mirror and that's all it was.
A practiced facade.
The Empire was tightening it's iron grip on the galaxy and slowly suffocating it.
But the two of them had planned everything to cover their support for the Rebel Alliance.
And if they ever got exposed, they had a plan out ready for escaping.
The same for Dalné and the other handmaidens.
Darth Vader stood upon a balcony high above the Galactic City, gazing at the sun that was slowly setting down in the horizon.
Then Admiral Declann approached Darth Sidious' apprentice with a data pad in his hand and bowed to him.
"You've got what I wanted, Admiral Declann?"Darth Vader asked.
"The information on Queen Costil's DNA is all here, Lord Vader."Admiral Declann informed."But it would be wise to read it somewhere not so public."
Upcoming returning to her late mother's apartment, Lisa couldn't help but feel utterly relief as Dalné removed the wig on her head.
Today had been exhausting.
Cleary because the meeting within the Senate and avoiding Darth Vader's wrath.
A scoff escaped from the Queen of Naboo's mouth as she remembered her argument with the Sith Lord.
She was clearly upset that the Emperor's second-in-command said to her.
It made her feel like she was some spoiled child being scolded by her own father.
It was strange.
But that was how it felt.
As Dalné started brushing Lisa's dark blonde hair, her best friend clasped her hand onto hers.
"Dalné?"Lisa spoke up.
"Yes?"Dalné asked.
"I…I need to show you something."Lisa informed.
"Of course."Dalné answered.
Lisa reached out her hand to reach to her small jewellery box and when she moved a few gold accessories aside to reveal something small glowing in a indigo colour.
Dalné looked at the small gem that Lisa presented to her.
But when she looked a bit closer, the handmaiden's brown eyes widen in awe.
It was an indigo kyber crystal!
"W-Where did you get that?"Dalné questioned.
"At the Dawn Temple on Mount Tellec located in Spintir. My Aunt Nadia took me there last month."Lisa exclaimed."The Dawn Temple was intended as a spiritual retreat for Jedi that had lost their way so that they could reconnect with the light side of the Force. The temple was built after greater numbers of Jedi had to stay on Spintir and was called the 'Dawn Temple' because those who were treated there would return to the light."
Dalné looked at the indigo kyber crystal on Lisa's hand.
"I don't recall ever being told that a Jedi had this type of colour kyber crystal."Dalné stated.
"Uncle Ferus told me indigo lightsabers were relatively uncommon within the Jedi Order and are closely associated with Jedi who possess a unique blend of intuitive wisdom and diplomatic finesse."Lisa stated with a smile."These Jedi excel in situations that require subtlety and tact, often resolving conflicts through negotiation and understanding."
A small smirk appeared on Dalné's face.
"Well, this kyber crystal completely suits you."Dalné sneered."You are the Queen of our home planet."
Lisa gave Dalné a playful punch in the arm.
"Since I have a kyber crystal, I should start creating my own lightsaber."Lisa declared.
This caused Dalné to become worried a bit.
"But if you use the Force, won't Darth Vader sense you do it?"Dalné assumed.
Lisa slowly bit her lip.
"You're right, Dalné."Lisa agreed with a nod."He could probably sense a Force Sensitive within fifty kilometres. So, I could do it somewhere else. But not here."
"When you go back to the rebellion?"Dalnè suggested.
Lisa nodded. "Exactly."
Within a private chamber within one of the ancient temples on Yavin 4, Ferus was in the middle of doing his meditation to reach a deeper state of relaxation, making him easier to connect with the Force with a clear mind.
But as the Jedi Knight continued his meditation, when he suddenly felt uneasy.
Something was wrong.
Ferus opened his hazel green eyes as Nadia walked into the private chamber.
But seeing the concerned expression on his wife's face, made Ferus already know what it meant.
"Ferus-"Nadia started.
"I felt it too, Dia."Ferus replied with a frown."We need to hurry to Coruscant."
See you all in the next chapter and have a wonderful day!